Here’s a really helpful post from Parent Panel member Emma on how you can still enjoy fun days out with your little ones this winter.
During the summer you’re inundated with Days Out and places to visit with your kids but when it comes to Autumn/Winter there doesn’t seem to be much on once the fireworks have finished and the bonfires have gone out.

That’s when it’s time to find those days out for yourself. Using the Internet can be a great tool; most Councils have a calendar on their homepages of what’s on in your local area.

Everyone knows that autumn is the perfect time for some leaf kicking/diving/crunching but how about picking up some of those leaves and taking them home to do some arts and crafts with. Over the months leading up to Autumn/Winter you can gather up boxes/cartons/loo rolls to put into a box which can be used to make various creations. How about making some homemade Christmas presents?

If it snows then sledging should be at the top of your to do list along with making snowmen, snow angels, snow forts and snowball fights. When you’ve finished with the snow try warming up by making some hot chocolate together and add as many marshmallows as the cup will let you. Or if you’ve not had enough of ice; try making some ice cream sundaes.

Theme/adventure parks that are open for the cold seasons may have discount days and may be less busy then the summer season so take advantage of short queues and cheap thrills. Failing that try a trip to the park, we went today and we felt like VIPs by having the whole park to ourselves as nobody else wanted to go outside.

Indoor picnics are a big win! Even with my toddler who doesn’t quite understand what a picnic is, seeing all his favourite food laid out on a blanket can keep him entertained for well over an hour. How about combining it with teddies to make it a teddy bear’s picnic? Grab all their favourite dolls/bears and let them share in the feast.

Walking is my favourite autumn activity, much to my partner’s annoyance. I love nothing better than wrapping up warm and taking a stroll in a country park. There’s so much to see and admire that I could get lost for hours in the colours and great scenery. To make it fun for the kids (and the other half) why not turn it into a scavenger hunt to find certain leaves, seeds or birds?

With Christmas around the corner there will be lights being switched on everywhere. There is never normally a charge for watching this so pop along and let the kids be wowed by the lights. A lot of towns also have ice rinks built around this time so why not check those out at the same time. Our nearest rink is a couple of hours away so we will be taking advantage of this seasonal opportunity, and if skating isn’t your thing how about watching other skaters- guaranteed free laughs!

Visiting the library to get out books about winter or the usual storybook is a great activity. Most libraries have story-time and song-time which you can join in with. Don’t forget to check out the notice boards whilst you’re there for details of events or leaflets which may have money off to local places of interest.

Whatever the weather, there is always plenty to do so don’t let the cold put you off going out with your little ones.

What are your money saving tips for Autumn and Winter fun?

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